Tributes

Dr. James E Soler, 75, entered into eternal rest on February 23, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on March 4, 1948, in New York City, NY, to Jaime Soler and Dionicia Aponte, both from Puerto Rico. He grew up going to New York Yankee games in the 1950s and 1960s. Dr. Soler graduated from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. in 1973. Upon graduating from medical school, he joined the United States Air Force, and his first assignment was at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. While in San Antonio he met and married Diane Marie Gomez on April 23, 1977. After training as a Flight Surgeon, Dr. Soler was assigned to Zaragoza AFB in Spain. Then 2 ½ years later while in Spain, he was accepted and then completed the Family Practice Residency program at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Charleston, SC in 1983. His next assignment was at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, TX. This assignment was cut short as he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and was successfully treated at Wilford Hall Hospital in San Antonio. After his recovery, Dr. Soler resigned from the Air Force and started his service of almost 40 years at the San Antonio State Hospital (SASH). He was a generous, hardworking, and compassionate physician who dedicated his life to caring for his many patients and assisting and supporting his co-workers at SASH. Dr. Soler is survived by his wife, Diane, and sons, Dr. Michael James Soler and wife, Dr. Laura Soler, of Portland, TX, and Marc Elliot Soler of San Antonio, TX, and grandchildren, Manny and Zoey Soler of Portland, TX. Dr. Soler is also survived by his 99-year-old mother-in-law, Vee Gomez, of San Antonio, numerous cousins, in-laws, and nieces and nephews. While stationed in Spain, he enjoyed traveling throughout Europe. In addition, Dr. Soler enjoyed gardening, swimming, music, watching the Spurs, visiting local museums and the Botanical Gardens, going to NIOSA and the Oyster Bake, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was an avid reader and had an extensive library. As per Dr. Soler’s wishes, he will be cremated and put to rest at Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery, where a private family ceremony will be held later. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Discalced Carmelite Monastery, 6301 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238.

Tributes

James E Soler MD

March 4, 1948 - February 23, 2024